Christopher Alan Olson

Christopher Alan Olson, 58, passed away on February 16, 2025, with his loving wife Carolyn by his side. In his final months, he was continuously surrounded by family and friends. 

Chris was born on October 9, 1966, in Naperville, Illinois to Francis and Marilyn (Cornils) Olson. 

Chris is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and daughter, Maria. He is also survived by his mother, Marilyn Olson, and his father-in-law, Kenneth Sutheimer. He is further survived by his siblings: Scott (Vicky) and Randy (Michelle); in-laws: Debbie Dengel, Janet Sutheimer, Cathy (Greg) Mekuly, Dan (JoAnn) Sutheimer, Lisa Lamers, Pam (Mike) Michlig, and Brian (Amie) Sutheimer; nieces and nephews: Caitlyn (Chris) Goryl, Jamie Olson, Megan Olson, JD Olson, Jessica Olson, Joe (Nikki) Dengel, Tom Dengel, Jocelyn (Geoff) Donaldson, Scott Steel, Courtney (Matt) Ertel, Breanna Mekuly, Luke (Heather) Mekuly, Ben Lamers, Mallory (Ryan) Jenquin, Adam Sutheimer, Nathan (Justis) Sutheimer, Allison Sutheimer, and Natalie Sutheimer; as well as 9 great-nieces and nephews. 

Preceding him in death were his father, Francis Olson, his mother-in-law, Patricia (Seidl) Sutheimer, and his brother-in-law, Joseph Lamers. 

Chris graduated from Oswego High School in Oswego, Illinois, in 1984. He then attended UW-La Crosse, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sales and Marketing in December 1988. It was at UW-La Crosse that he met Carolyn, the love of his life. He began his career at 3M and later worked with the American Diabetes Association. Eventually, Chris transitioned into property accounting, where he took great pride in his work for the North Ridge, South Ridge, and Brookfield Square Malls. Most recently, he was employed with Team Management.

Chris had a deep love for nature, with some of his most cherished days spent at the family cabin in northern Wisconsin. During college, he interned with Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River, WI, where he shared his passion for the outdoors with people of all ages. He taught environmental education classes to school groups, elder-hostels, and the general public. In the years that followed, Chris spent countless days at the cabin, fishing, scuba diving, swimming in the lake, grilling, and enjoying time around the campfire with family and friends.

As a child and into adulthood, Chris enjoyed playing and watching all types of sports. While younger, he participated in basketball, was on the golf team, and played hockey. Chris was also an avid cook and delighted in sharing his homemade meals with those he loved. Some of Chris’ go-to cherished recipes included ribs, steak, stir fry, chili, barbecue chicken, and pecan-crusted salmon. 

Chris was united in marriage to Carolyn (Sutheimer) on October 27, 1990. He and Carolyn shared a loving relationship, and Chris will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family. He treasured spending time with his daughter, Maria—dancing with her to Lawrence Welk on Sunday nights, watching college basketball together, and cheering her on at her sporting events. As a family, they created many cherished traditions. One of Maria’s most treasured memories with her dad is designing and building various woodworking projects, such as a stable for her toy horses and her bedframe. Chris was incredibly patient, always taking the time to explain each step and answer all of her many questions.

Chris will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and coworkers. 

The visitation will be held at Myrhum Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington St. West Bend, WI on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM.

The funeral mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 138 N. 8th Ave West Bend, WI 53095 on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution towards a donation to Trees for Tomorrow in Chris’ memory. 

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Chris’ arrangements. For additional information or to leave an online condolence on the tribute wall, please visit www.myrhum-patten.com.